AARP research consistently finds that the vast majority of people age 50 and older want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

But most existing homes — and this is true whether the home is an apartment, townhouse or stand-alone single-family abode — were not designed to be homes for a lifetime, able to meet the needs of residents of various ages, physical abilities and life stages.

For people who want to safely and comfortably “age in place” but are living in homes that weren’t created with so-called “better living” or “universal design” features, the choices are to relocate or remodel.